He nodded. “I really am.”
They both laughed.
She helped him clear the table, putting everything in the kitchen.
“And for dessert, a homemade cheesecake.” He lied through his teeth, his eyes smiling, as he directed her gaze to the box the cheesecake had come in—smack dab in the center of the kitchen island.
“Nice. Did you make the box as well?”
“I did. With a lot of cardboard and glue.” He chuckled. “A little bird told me you like New York style cheesecake with cherries. So I found one I thought you’d appreciate.”
“Thank you.”
“Coffee?”
Jane looked at him. “Really? That’s a question?”
He laughed again. “Do me a favor and take the tray with the dessert up the stairs and out to the balcony.”
She left him, bemused at how easy and fun the night had been thus far. It was like being out with Jenn, where they could talk about work and understand the hazards and excitement of the job while still admitting to the tedium of investigative work. Matthew was surprisingly easy to talk to.
Once outside on the upper balcony, she placed the tray on a table centered between two comfy cushioned chairs. The view captured her attention, the fading blue of the sky replaced by ribbons of orange, red, and purple, the clouds thinning into indigo shadows.
Beyond Lake Union she saw the Space Needle’s silhouette, andthe cool breeze brought with it a breath of lilac, which surprised her, being so far above the ground.
Then she saw a potted shrub in the corner with lavender flowers.
“Amazing, right?” Matthew said as he joined her, carrying a tray filled with a pot of coffee, fixings, and two mugs.
“Totally amazing. I’d never leave this if I were you.”
He smiled and stared at her.
Jane felt a frisson of heat building. She wanted to look away but couldn’t.
The moment seemed poised to become something more.
Then a horn sounded from below, startling her out of immobility.
Matthew quickly grabbed the coffee carafe. “I’ll pour. Help yourself to cream and sugar.”
“And cake,” she reminded him with a grin.
“Sweets for the sweet.” He laughed at himself. “I can’t help it. I’m corny like that.”
“I never would have guessed from Mr. Serious.”
“I know. I act like I have a stick up my butt. Isn’t that how you once described me?”
Jane chuckled. “More than once, actually. And I don’t think I said ‘butt.’”
He laughed with her, and they had a magical time enjoying the setting sun, the decadent dessert, and upscale coffee. And most of all, the wonderful company.
Until Jane remembered what she needed to tell him.
“Matthew, there’s something I need to say.”
“Me too. But you first.”
